The Sustainability Advisory Committee is excited to welcome Barbara Rinehart as its newest member. An 11-year resident of the Township, Barbara has a Bachelor of Science in biology from James Madison University and a Master of Science in general science education from The Johns Hopkins University. Her interest in science and biology extends deeply into the natural world, with a focus on horticulture.
Concurrent with an active career in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry, from 2002 on, Barbara found time to serve as a volunteer at the Tyler Arboretum where she was “plant lady” for the Butterfly House; the West Chester Garden Club, where she was an award-winning floral designer; and Mt. Cuba as an ambassador, garden helper, moss master, and floral arranger. A Master Gardener, she served on the Chester County speaker’s bureau for six years, and has designed award-winning gardens locally at East Goshen Park, Bournelyf Special Camp in West Chester, and Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford. Following retirement in 2014, Barbara worked at Mt. Cuba Center as a docent for four years.
A skilled writer, she has published articles on a variety of horticultural topics, ranging from shade gardening and how to deal with ground ivy, to turf management and creating a spade edge. In addition, she has made many garden-related presentations, covering such disparate subjects as invasive plants, birds in the garden, and making concrete leaf molds. With a background as accomplished and colorful as hers, the SAC is keen to work with Barbara and focus her significant talents towards further enhancement of the Township’s natural environment.